Color Imaging Based Assay

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for imaging: a side-view of a object on a surface, a Contact Angle of a liquid object, the color of an object, or combinations thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 17/266,475, filed on Feb. 5, 2021, which is aNational Stage entry (§ 371) application of International ApplicationNo. PCT/US2019/046830, filed on Aug. 16, 2019, which claims the benefitof priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/764,888, filedon Aug. 16, 2018, the contents of which is relied upon and incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. The entire disclosure of anypublication or patent document mentioned herein is entirely incorporatedby reference.

FIELD

Among other things, the present invention is related to devices andmethods of performing biological and chemical assays, and computationalimaging.

BACKGROUND

In biological and chemical assays (e.g., diagnostic testing), often itneeds to simple, fast, and sensitive assaying, including imaging. Thepresent invention provides, among other things, devices and methods forsimple, fast, and sensitive assaying, including imaging.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure provides the devices and methods toimage the contact angle, a side-view of a small liquid droplet on asurface, or both, using an adaptor that is attached to a smartphone, andusing the camera and the light source on a smartphone.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides an apparatus and methods toimage and analyze the color of a surface, particularly to make the colormeasurement insensitive to lighting.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a compact color calibrationcard inside an optical adaptor to make a color measurement insensitiveto a lighting.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides devices and methods that canconnect a light source of a smartphone with an optical adaptor easilyand flexibly using an optical fiber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings, described below,are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended tolimit the scope of the present teachings in any way. The drawings arenot entirely in scale.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an optical system having a smartphone toobserve and measure the contact angle of a liquid droplet on a surfacesuch as mammalian skin.

FIG. 2 shows exemplary smartphone images of droplets (a) and (b) onskin, and (c) and (d) on plastic. The lens used with a smartphone camerahas a focal length of 8 mm. The wetting property of skin or plastic canbe further analyzed by software on the smartphone.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic of an optical system having smartphone to imageand analyze the color of surface.

FIG. 4 shows a system for imaging an assaying device.

FIG. 5 shows an adaptor for imaging an assaying device.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show schematics of adaptors for imaging an assaying device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates some embodiments of theinvention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The sectionheadings and any subtitles used herein are for organizational purposesonly and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matterdescribed in any way. The contents under a section heading and/orsubtitle are not limited to the section heading and/or subtitle butapply to the entire description of the present invention.

Several exemplary embodiments are illustrated as follows:

-   -   an optical adaptor for bright-field and fluorescent microscopy        imaging attached to a smartphone;    -   an optical adaptor for colorimetric measurement attached to a        smartphone using tilted fiber end face as light source;    -   an optical adaptor for colorimetric measurement attached to a        smartphone using side-illumination of a ring-shape fiber as        light source;    -   a device and methods of tomography;    -   a machine learning assisted assay and imaging;    -   a device and methods for tissue staining and cell imaging; and    -   a dual-lens imaging system.

A-1. Imaging of Liquid Contact Angle and Side-View of an Object on aSurface

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an optical system having a smartphone toobserve and measure the contact angle of a small liquid droplet on asurface such as mammalian skin. FIG. 1 illustrates a device and methodsof the disclosure for imaging the contact angle, a side-view of a smallliquid droplet (and/or other small object) on a surface, or both, usingan adaptor that is attached to the smartphone and using the camera andthe light source on a smartphone.

According to one embodiment, the disclosure provides an apparatus forimaging side-view of a small object on a surface, comprising: (a) anoptical enclosure (also termed “adaptor, (b) a side-mirror, (c) lightsource, and (d) a camera;

-   -   wherein the enclosure connects houses the side-mirror, the light        source, and the camera, wherein the enclosure has opening to fit        on a surface that has a small object (such as a small liquid        droplet), wherein the enclosure prevents or reduces the ambient        light getting inside of the enclosure during a measurement of        the small object;    -   wherein the side-mirror is at a tilted angle from the optical        axis of the measurement;    -   wherein the optical axis of the measurement is determined by the        axis going through the center of the camera and perpendicular to        the surface where the small object is situated;    -   wherein the light source is above the surface and can have a        ring shape which can be, for example, centro-symmetric relative        to the center of the camera; and    -   wherein the camera has an imaging sensor and imaging lens.

As an example, FIG. 1 Illustrates an adaptor for imaging an assayingdevice in accordance with some embodiments. The adaptor comprises ahousing that can be attached to the smartphone. The adaptor has aside-emitting fiber ring, an imaging lens, a mirror, and an opening. InFIG. 1 , a side-emitting fiber is placed around the imaging lens andunder the camera. The side-emitting fiber has a circle shape which iscentrosymmetric relative to the imaging lens. The two end faces of thefiber are placed towards the LED of a smartphone. The light emitted fromthe LED gets coupled into the fiber through the end faces and uniformlyemits from the fiber along the side wall. There is an opening at thebottom of the adaptor for sampling. When imaging a contact angle of adroplet on a surface, the adaptor can be pressed onto a surface and thedroplet of interest can be positioned in the opening area. A mirror ismounted directly under the imaging lens and the mirror is tilted at anangle, for example, a 45 degree angle, relative to the optical axis ofimaging lens and camera. The function of the mirror allows the camera tosee the contact angle of the liquid from a side view.

FIG. 2 shows images of actual droplets (i.e., objects) on differentsurfaces (i.e., human skin a) and b); and plastic c) and d)) taken bythe apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 . The side-wall of the adaptor andthe contact angle of the droplet can be seen by the apparatus.

The entire apparatus can be very compact. The distance between thesmartphone camera and the sample surface can be short, for example, atmost 40 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, or in a range between any of values.

The mirror used in the above embodiments can be, for example, aright-angle prism with its oblique plane coated with a reflectivematerial including, for example, aluminum, silver, gold, copper, ahigh-index dielectric material, or a combination thereof.

The mirror used in the above embodiments can be, for example, a flatmirror lying on a tilted flat surface.

The position of the mirror used in the above embodiments can be above asurface that the object is on (i.e., small target such as droplet or thesurface itself), and the reflective surface of the mirror intersectswith the surface and the optical axis of measurement.

The position mirror used in the above embodiments can be, for example,below the surface where the small object is situated on if the surfaceis transparent, and the reflective surface of the mirror intersects withthe surface and the optical axis of measurement.

A2. Surface Color Measurement

Another aspect of the disclosure provides an apparatus and methods toimage and analyze the color of a surface, more particularly to make acolor measurement insensitive to lighting. Another aspect of thedisclosure provides a compact color calibration card (i.e., thereference color pattern) inside an optical adaptor to make a colormeasurement insensitive to a lighting.

As shown in FIG. 3 , there is a reference color pattern inside theadaptor. When imaging a sample surface, an adaptor is configured to makethe reference color pattern or reference card, and the sample surface beimaged at the same time in a same field of view of the imager, e.g., thesmartphone camera. The color of the sample surface can be analyzed withthe help of the reference color pattern. The reference color pattern canminimize the error caused by the variation of illumination and camerasetting of smartphone. The reference color pattern has a color patternthat is predetermined and known. The reference color pattern has beenpre-characterized under different lighting conditions, so that bycomparing the actual imaged surface with the reference color pattern, atrue color of an object can be recovered from an image of the surfacetaken under a unknown light condition.

The apparatus can also be used to observe the color and detailedfeatures of a hair on a surface. The hair can include, for example, headhair, and other body hair, and other sources of hair and hair-likefiber.

The apparatus can also be used to observe the color and detailedfeatures of human or animal anatomy such as an ear or a nose by pressingthe opening of the adaptor on the anatomy.

In some embodiments, the mirror and the reference color pattern can beplaced in an single adaptor.

In some embodiments, multiple mirrors, multiple reference colorpatterns, or both, can be placed in an single adaptor.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus formeasuring color of a surface, comprising: (a) an optical enclosure (alsotermed “adaptor), (b) a color reference, (c) light source, and (d) acamera.

The enclosure connects and houses the side-mirror, the light source, andthe camera. The enclosure has an aperture or opening to fit or sit on asurface that has an object (such as a small liquid droplet), and theenclosure prevents or reduces ambient light getting inside of theenclosure during a measurement of the object. The color referenceprovides a predetermined color or color spectrum for comparison with thecolor of the object. The light source can be in close proximity to theobject or surface, and can have a ring shape which is central-symmetricrelative to the center of the camera. The camera can have, for example,an imaging sensor and imaging lens.

OTHER EXAMPLES

-   -   1. A device for illuminating and imaging an object, comprising:        -   an imaging lens;        -   a mirror;        -   a ring-shape illuminator;        -   an opening for sampling a surface;        -   wherein the light illuminate the opening area by the ring            illuminator;        -   wherein the imaging lens collects light reflected by the            mirror towards the camera in a smartphone.    -   2. A device for illuminating and imaging an object, comprising:        -   an imaging lens;        -   a mirror;        -   a ring-shape illuminator;        -   an opening for sampling a surface;        -   a reference color pattern;        -   wherein the reference color pattern and the sampling surface            can be viewed in a same field of view of the smartphone            camera.    -   3. A apparatus for illuminating and imaging an object,        comprising:    -   a smartphone comprising a camera and a light source;        -   A device for illuminating and imaging an object, comprising:            -   an imaging lens;            -   a mirror;            -   a ring-shape illuminator;            -   an opening for sampling a surface;        -   wherein the light emitted out of the light source of            smartphone get coupled into the ring-shape illuminator.    -   4. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein the mirror can be beneath the imaging lens and        optionally angled.    -   5. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein the mirror beneath the imaging lens can redirect the        side view of the object to the image plane of the camera.    -   6. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein the mirror is tilted relative to the optical axis and        the tilt angle in degrees can be, for example, 20, 30, 40, 50,        60, 70, 80, including intermediate values or ranges.    -   7. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein the ring-shape illuminator is made of a side-emitting        fiber.    -   8. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein the imaging lens has a diameter in millimeters that is        at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, or 50 mm, including        intermediate values or ranges.    -   9. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein the distance between the smartphone and sample in        millimeters is at most 40, 30, 20, 10 mm, including intermediate        values or ranges.    -   10. In some embodiments, the device, apparatus, or method of any        prior embodiment, wherein the color reference pattern beneath        the imaging lens redirects the side view of the object to the        image plane camera.    -   11. In some embodiments, the device, apparatus, or method of any        prior embodiment, wherein the color reference pattern is tilted        relative to the optical axis and the tilt angle in degrees is        20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, including intermediate values or        ranges.    -   12. In some embodiments, the device, apparatus, or method of any        prior embodiment, wherein the illuminator is made of an active        light source.    -   13. In some embodiments, the surface of interest in the        measurement is an area of human skin. The accurate skin        absorption spectrum can be measured using the color reference.        Hence the viewing color of the skin area under a different        illumination spectrum can be predicted.

A-3. Method and Apparatus for Supporting Position Change of Light Source

Another aspect of the disclosure provides devices and methods that canconnect a light source of a smartphone with an optical adaptor easilyand flexibly using an optical fiber.

FIG. 4 shows a system for imaging an assaying device in accordance withsome embodiments. In FIG. 4 , a light guide receives light from a lightsource of the smartphone and then redirects the received light from thelight source towards a second mirror. The second mirror reflects lightreceived from the light guide towards the first mirror. The first mirrorreflects light received from the second mirror towards the second plateof the assaying device. In response to the light reflected by the secondmirror towards the second plate, some light transmits out of the firstplate of the assaying device due to the light scattering of the liquidsample in the assaying device. Light transmitted out of the first plateof the assaying device is collected by the imaging lens, and thecollected light is directed towards the camera in a smartphone.

FIG. 5 shows an adaptor for imaging an assaying device in accordancewith some embodiments. The adaptor has a housing that can be attached tothe smartphone. The adaptor has a light guide, a first mirror, a secondmirror, and an imaging lens in its housing. Depending upon theimplementations or designs, the imaging lens has a diameter that can beat least 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40mm, or 50 mm, or in a range between any of the two values. The housingof the adaptor has an entrance aperture, an exit aperture, a firstexposure aperture, and a second exposure aperture. During operation, thelight source of the smartphone emits light towards a first end of alight guide though the entrance aperture of the housing to cause lightto transmit further towards the second end of the light guide. Lightemitted by the second end of the light guide is used for illuminatingthe assaying device after such emitted light from the light guide isrespectively reflected by the second mirror and the first mirror. Whenthe assaying device is illuminated through the first exposure aperture,some light transmits out of the first plate of the assaying device dueto the light scattering of the liquid sample in the assaying device.Light transmitted out of the first plate of the assaying device iscollected by the imaging lens through the second exposure aperture, andthe collected light is directed towards the camera in the smartphone.

FIGS. 6-8 are schematics of adaptors for an imaging and assay device inaccordance with some embodiments. In FIGS. 6-8 , the adaptor includes abase module and an insert module. The base module includes the imaginglens, the first mirror, and the second mirror. The insert moduleincludes the light guide. Depending upon the implementations or designs,the imaging lens can have a diameter that can be, for example, at least2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, or 50mm, or in a range between any of the two values. In FIG. 6 , a firsttype of the insert module is combined with the base module to form anadaptor for using with a smartphone (i.e., Type A). In FIG. 7 , theinsert module is detached and separated from the base module. In FIG. 8, a second type of insert module is combined with the base module toform an adaptor for using with a smartphone (i.e., Type B). In the typeA smartphone as shown in FIG. 6 , the camera and the light source areseparated by a distance SA. In the type B smartphone as shown in FIG. 8, the camera and the light source are separated by a distance SB.Despite that the distance SA in FIG. 6 and the distance SB in FIG. 8 ,the same base module can be used for both the Type A smartphone and theType B smartphone for forming an adaptor when the same base module iscombined with a corresponding insert module.

The insert module in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 each has different shifteddistance, along a direction parallel to the surface of the smartphone,between a first center in the first end of the light guide and a secondcenter in the second end of the light guide. This shifted distance is,respectively, LA and LB for the insert module in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 .When the condition SA+LA=SB+LB is satisfied, the same base module can beused in the adaptor for the Type A smartphone and in the adaptor for theType B smartphone.

In some embodiments, the shifted distance, along a direction parallel tothe surface of the smartphone, between a first center in the first endof the light guide and a second center in the second end of the lightguide can be selectively variable by selecting one insert module among agroup of insert modules, such as insert modules as shown in FIG. 6 andFIG. 8 . In some embodiments, this shifted distance can be selectivelychanged in a range of 2 mm to 40 mm. Depending upon the implementationsor designs, this shifted distance can be at least 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, or 50 mm, or in a rangebetween any of the two values.

The adaptor as shown in FIG. 5 or any of FIGS. 6 to 8 can have manyother embodiments, variations, or improvements. In some embodiments, thelight guide can be formed by an optical fiber. In some embodiments, theadaptor can include an optical condenser configured to be placed infront of the light source of the smartphone to increase the opticalcoupling between the light source and the first end of the light guide.

In some embodiments, a housing can enclose the imaging lens, the firstmirror, the second mirror, and the light guide while relying upon someapertures for receiving or transmitting light. For example, the housingcan have an entrance aperture, an exit aperture, a first exposureaperture, and a second exposure aperture as shown in FIG. 5 . In someembodiments, a housing for the base module can enclose the imaging lens,the first mirror, and the second mirror while relying upon someapertures for receiving or transmitting light. For example, the housingfor the base module can have an interface aperture, an exit aperture, afirst exposure aperture, and a second exposure aperture as shown inFIGS. 6 to 8 . In FIGS. 6-8 , any of the apertures in the adaptors canbe covered with a window that is substantially transparent to the lightwavelength of interests. In some embodiments, all these apertures can becovered with windows to avoid dirt and debris falling into the housing.

Examples of Light Guide for Different Light Source Positions.

-   -   1. A device for illuminating and imaging an object, comprising:        -   an imaging lens;        -   a first mirror;        -   a second mirror;        -   a light guide;        -   a slot for holding an assaying device;        -   wherein:            -   the light guide receives light from a light source of a                smartphone and redirect the received light towards the                second mirror;        -   the second mirror reflects light received from the light            guide towards the first mirror;        -   wherein the first mirror reflects light received from the            second mirror towards the second plate of the assaying            device; and        -   the imaging lens collects light transmitted out of the first            plate of the assaying device and direct the collected light            towards the camera in a smartphone.    -   2. A device for illuminating and imaging an object, comprising:        -   a base module having an imaging lens, a first mirror, and a            second mirror;        -   an insert module having a light guide;        -   a slot for holding an assaying device;        -   wherein the light guide receives light from a light source            of a smartphone and redirect the received light towards the            second mirror when the insert module is engaged with the            base module;        -   the second mirror reflects light received from the light            guide towards the first mirror;        -   the first mirror reflects light received from the second            mirror towards the second plate of the assaying device; and        -   the imaging lens collects light transmitted out of the first            plate of the assaying device and direct the collected light            towards the camera in a smartphone.    -   3. A method for illuminating and imaging a liquid sample between        two parallel plates in an assaying device, the method comprising        the steps of:        -   (a) causing a light source of a smartphone to emit light            towards a first end of a light guide to cause light            transmitting towards a second end of the light guide;        -   (b) directing light emitted by the second end of the light            guide towards the second mirror;        -   (c) reflecting light received from the second end of the            light guide, by the second mirror, towards the first mirror;        -   (d) reflecting light received from the second mirror, by the            first mirror, towards the second plate of the assaying            device; and        -   (e) collecting light transmitted out of the first plate of            the assaying device, by the imaging lens, to direct the            collected light towards the camera in a smartphone.    -   4. A method for illuminating and imaging a liquid sample between        two parallel plates in an assaying device, the method comprising        the steps of:        -   (a) joining an insert module with a base module, wherein the            insert module includes a light guide, and wherein the base            module includes an imaging lens, a first mirror, and a            second mirror;        -   (b) causing a light source of a smartphone to emit light            towards a first end of a light guide to cause light            transmitting towards a second end of the light guide after            the insert module is joint with the base module;        -   (c) directing light, emitted by the second end of the light            guide in the insert module, towards the second mirror in the            base module;        -   (d) reflecting light received from the second end of the            light guide in the insert module, by the second mirror in            the base module, towards the first mirror in the base            module;        -   (e) reflecting light received from the second mirror, by the            first mirror, towards the second plate of the assaying            device; and        -   (f) collecting light transmitted out of the first plate of            the assaying device, with the imaging lens, to direct the            collected light towards the camera in a smartphone.    -   5. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein:        -   the light guide is formed by an optical fiber.    -   6. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        further comprising:        -   an optical condenser configured to be placed in front of the            light source of the smartphone to increase the optical            coupling between the light source and the first end of the            light guide.    -   7. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        further comprising:        -   separating the insert module with the base module;        -   joining an alternative insert module with the base module,            wherein the alternative insert module includes a light guide            that has a configuration different from the light guide in            the insert module.    -   8. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein the imaging lens, the first mirror, the second mirror,        and the light guide are placed inside a housing.    -   9. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein the light guide is placed inside a housing for the        insert module.    -   10. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein the imaging lens, the first mirror, and the second        mirror are placed inside a housing for the base module.    -   11. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein the imaging lens, the first mirror, and the second        mirror are placed inside a housing for the base module; and        wherein the housing includes an entrance aperture, an exit        aperture, a first exposure aperture, and a second exposure        aperture.    -   12. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein the imaging lens, the first mirror, and the second        mirror are placed inside a housing for the base module; and the        housing for the base module includes an interface aperture, an        exit aperture, a first exposure aperture, and a second exposure        aperture.    -   13. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein an interface aperture, an exit aperture, a first        exposure aperture, and a second exposure aperture on the housing        for the base module are covered with transparent window.    -   14. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        comprising:        -   causing a light source of a smartphone to emit light towards            a first end of a light guide though an entrance aperture of            the base module.    -   15. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        comprising:        -   directing light, emitted by the second end of the light            guide in the insert module, towards the second mirror in the            base module though an interface aperture of the base module.    -   16. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        comprising:        -   reflecting light received from the second mirror, by the            first mirror, towards the second plate of the assaying            device through a first exposure aperture of the base module.    -   17. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        comprising:        -   collecting light transmitted out of the first plate of the            assaying device, by the imaging lens, through a second            exposure aperture of the base module.    -   18. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        comprising:        -   collecting light transmitted out of the first plate of the            assaying device, by the imaging lens, through a second            exposure aperture of the base module; and        -   directing the collected light, by the imaging lens, towards            the camera in a smartphone through an exit exposure.    -   19. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein:        -   a shifted distance, along a direction parallel to the            surface of the smartphone, between a first center in the            first end of the light guide and a second center in the            second end of the light guide is selectively variable by            selecting one insert module among a group of insert modules.    -   20. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein:        -   a shifted distance, along a direction parallel to the            surface of the smartphone, between a first center in the            first end of the light guide and a second center in the            second end of the light guide is selectively variable range,            and the variable range is between 2 mm to 40 mm.    -   21. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein the variable range is at least 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm,        10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, or 50 mm, or in a        range between any of the two values.    -   22. The device, apparatus, or method of any prior embodiment,        wherein the imaging lens has a diameter that is at least 2 mm, 3        mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, or 50        mm, or in a range between any of the two values.

Aspects:

-   -   1. An apparatus for imaging a side view of an object on a        surface, comprising:        -   (a) a housing; (b) a side-mirror; (c) a light source;            and (d) a camera, wherein:        -   the housing has an opening to sit on a surface;        -   the housing connects and houses the side-mirror, the light            source, and the camera, in such a way that for the object on            the surface, the sideview of the object is imaged by the            camera through the side mirror; and        -   the side-mirror is on an angle off of the perpendicular            direction of the surface.    -   2. A method of imaging a side view of a object on a surface,        comprising:    -   (a) providing a housing; a side-mirror; a light source; and a        camera, wherein        -   the housing has an opening to sit on a surface; the housing            connects and houses the side-mirror, the light source, and            the camera, in such way that for an object on the surface,            the sideview of an object is imaged by the camera through            the side mirror, and the side-mirror is on an angle off of            the perpendicular direction of the surface;    -   (b) placing the object on the surface; and    -   (c) illuminating the object using the light source, and imaging,        using the camera, the side view of the object.    -   3. The device or method of any prior Aspect further comprising a        color calibration card in the housing, wherein the camera views        the calibration card and at least a part of the surface in the        same field of view.    -   4. A device for imaging color of an object, comprising:        -   a housing, a camera, a light source, and a color calibration            card; wherein:        -   the color calibration card has a color pattern that is            predetermined and known;        -   the housing has an opening for viewing an object; and        -   the housing connects and houses the light source, the            camera, and the calibration card in such way that the camera            views the calibration card and at least a part of the object            in the same field of view.    -   5. A method of imaging color of a surface, comprising:    -   (a) providing a housing, a camera, a light source, and a color        calibration card; wherein the color calibration card has a color        pattern that is predetermined and known; the housing has an        opening for viewing the surface; and the housing connects and        houses the light source, the camera, and the calibration card in        such way that the camera views the calibration card and at least        a part of the surface in the same field of view;    -   (b) illuminating, using the light source and imaging, using the        camera, the at least part of the surface and the calibration        card; and    -   (c) obtaining the color of the at least part of the surface by        analyzing and comparing the image of the at least part of the        surface with the image of the calibration card.    -   6. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the mirror        is beneath the imaging lens.    -   7. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the mirror        beneath the imaging lens redirects the side view of the object        to the image plane camera.    -   8. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the mirror        is tilted relative to the perpendicular direction of the        surface, and the tilt angle in degrees is 20, 30, 40, 50, 60,        70, 80, or in a range between any of the two values.    -   9. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the light        source is a ring-shape illuminator comprising a side-emitting        fiber.    -   10. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the        imaging lens has a diameter that is at least 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5        mm, or in a range between any of the two values.    -   11. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the        distance between the camera and the surface is at most 40 mm, 30        mm, 20 mm, 10 mm or in a range between any of the two values.    -   12. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the color        calibration card is beneath the lens.    -   13. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the color        calibration card is tilted relative to the perpendicular        direction of the surface and the tilt angle is 20 degree, 30        degree, 40 degree, 50 degree, 60 degree, 70 degree, 80 degree,        or in a range between any of the two values.    -   14. A device for illuminating and imaging an object, comprising:        -   a smartphone with a light source and a camera;        -   an imaging lens;        -   a first mirror;        -   a second mirror;        -   a flexible light guide;        -   housing that (i) houses the lens, the first mirror, and the            second mirror, and        -   (ii) has a slot for holding an assay device, and        -   wherein:        -   the light guide receives light from a light source of a            smartphone and redirects the received light towards the            second mirror;        -   the second mirror reflects light received from the light            guide and directs the light towards the first mirror;        -   the first mirror reflects light received from the second            mirror and directs the light towards the lens;        -   the lens collects the light and sends into the camera; and        -   the slot places a portion of the assay device in the light            path between the first mirror and the lens, wherein the            light transmits through the assay device.    -   15. A method of illuminating and imaging an assay device        comprising:    -   (a) providing a smartphone with a light source;    -   (b) providing a flexible light guide, wherein the light guide        has the first end next to the light source and guides the light        towards a second end of the light guide;    -   (c) directing the light emitted by the second end of the light        guide towards a second mirror;    -   (d) reflecting using the second mirror, the light towards a        first mirror;    -   (e) reflecting, using the first mirror, the light toward an        assay device; and    -   (f) collecting using a lens, light transmitted through the assay        device and directing the transmitted light towards the camera in        a smartphone.    -   16. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the        flexible light guide is formed by an optical fiber.    -   17. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the        housing prevents or reduces the ambient light getting inside of        the housing.    -   18. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the camera        is in a smartphone.    -   19. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the color        is for colorimetric measurement.    -   20. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the        imaging uses machine learning.    -   21. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the object        is a drop of a liquid on the surface.    -   22. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the object        is a hair.    -   23. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the color        is related to human or animal anatomy.    -   24. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the        housing further comprises multiple mirrors, multiple reference        color patterns, or both.    -   25. The device or method of any prior Aspect, wherein the        housing further comprises an aperture or apertures.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for imaging color of an object,comprising: a housing, a camera, a light source, and a color calibrationcard; wherein: the color calibration card has a color pattern that ispredetermined and known; the housing has an opening for viewing anobject; and the housing connects and houses the light source, thecamera, and the calibration card in such way that the camera views thecalibration card and at least a part of the object in the same field ofview.
 2. A method of imaging color of a surface, comprising: (a)providing the device of claim 1; (b) illuminating, using the lightsource and imaging, using the camera, the at least part of the surfaceand the calibration card; and (c) obtaining the color of the at leastpart of the surface by analyzing and comparing the image of the at leastpart of the surface with the image of the calibration card.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising a side mirror, wherein the mirroris beneath the imaging lens.
 4. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a side mirror, wherein the mirror beneath the imaging lensredirects the side view of the object to the image plane camera.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the color calibration card is beneath thelens.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the color calibration card istilted relative to the perpendicular direction of the surface and thetilt angle is 20 degree, 30 degree, 40 degree, 50 degree, 60 degree, 70degree, 80 degree, or in a range between any of the two values.
 7. Adevice for illuminating and imaging an object, comprising: a smartphonewith a light source and a camera; an imaging lens; a first mirror; asecond mirror; a flexible light guide; housing that (i) houses the lens,the first mirror, and the second mirror, and (ii) has a slot for holdingan assay device, and wherein: the light guide receives light from alight source of a smartphone and redirects the received light towardsthe second mirror; the second mirror reflects light received from thelight guide and directs the light towards the first mirror; the firstmirror reflects light received from the second mirror and directs thelight towards the lens; the lens collects the light and sends into thecamera; and the slot places a portion of the assay device in the lightpath between the first mirror and the lens, wherein the light transmitsthrough the assay device.
 8. A method of illuminating and imaging anassay device comprising: (a) providing a smartphone with a light source;(b) providing a flexible light guide, wherein the light guide has thefirst end next to the light source and guides the light towards a secondend of the light guide; (c) directing the light emitted by the secondend of the light guide towards a second mirror; (d) reflecting using thesecond mirror, the light towards a first mirror; (e) reflecting, usingthe first mirror, the light toward an assay device; and (f) collectingusing a lens, light transmitted through the assay device and directingthe transmitted light towards the camera in a smartphone.
 9. The deviceof claim 7, wherein the imaging lens, the first mirror, and the secondmirror form a base module; the light guide is included in a an insertmodule; a slot for holding an assaying device.
 10. The device of claim7, wherein the flexible light guide is formed by an optical fiber. 11.The device of claim 7, further comprising an optical condenserconfigured to be placed in front of the light source of the smartphoneto increase the optical coupling between the light source and the firstend of the light guide.
 12. The device of claim 7, wherein the imaginglens, the first mirror, the second mirror, and the light guide areplaced inside a housing.
 13. The device of claim 9, wherein the lightguide is placed inside a housing for the insert module.
 14. The deviceof claim 9, wherein the imaging lens, the first mirror, and the secondmirror are placed inside a housing for the base module.
 15. The deviceof claim 9, wherein the imaging lens, the first mirror, and the secondmirror are placed inside a housing for the base module; and the housingincludes an entrance aperture, an exit aperture, a first exposureaperture, and a second exposure aperture.
 16. The device of claim 9,wherein the imaging lens, the first mirror, and the second mirror areplaced inside a housing for the base module; and the housing for thebase module includes an interface aperture, an exit aperture, a firstexposure aperture, and a second exposure aperture.
 17. The device ofclaim 16, wherein an interface aperture, an exit aperture, a firstexposure aperture, and a second exposure aperture on the housing for thebase module are covered with transparent window.
 18. The method of claim8, further comprising: causing a light source of a smartphone to emitlight towards a first end of a light guide though an entrance apertureof the base module.
 19. The method of claim 8, further comprising:directing light, emitted by the second end of the light guide in aninsert module, towards the second mirror in a base module though aninterface aperture of the base module.
 20. The method of claim 8,further comprising: reflecting light received from the second mirror, bythe first mirror, towards the second plate of the assaying devicethrough a first exposure aperture of the base module.